2011 North Carolina Apple Festival

August 18, 2011

Yep, folks. It’s that time of year again. The 2011 North Carolina Apple Festival is almost here! Held every Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville, the North Carolina Apple Festival has been entertaining families for more than 60 years now. This year, it will be held from Friday, September 2nd to Monday, September 5, 2011.

Henderson County apple growers are responsible for growing approximately 65% of the apples grown in the entire state. That’s no small feat when you consider that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producer in the country. So, it makes sense that we celebrate all things apple-related. But, the North Carolina Apple Festival isn’t just a place to purchase apples (which you can, by the way, in small batches or by the bushel). There are children’s activities, a street fair, plenty of live entertainment and, of course, the big King Apple Parade on the final day of the festival.

Here are just a few of the fun events scheduled for the 2011 North Carolina Apple Festival:

Apple Orchard Tour – 9am to 12:30pm. This will be the only tour of the apple orchard open during the entire weekend. You need to make reservations ahead of time to secure a spot. Please call 828-697-4891 if you’re interested.

Big K Big Band – 7pm to 10pm (Main Stage at the Historic Courthouse). Bring a chair and enjoy the big band sounds of the Big K Big Band.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Lions Club Country Breakfast – 7am to 10am (First Baptist Church, 312 5th Ave W). Get a full country breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, grits, biscuits and gravy, coffee and apple juice for just $6 per person.

Pardee Apple Festival and Chic-Fil-A Moo Mile – Begins at 8am and ends at 11am, with registration beginning at 6:30am. This event starts at the Pardee Hospital (800 Justice St) and continues along an 8K mile scenic course throughout Hendersonville and Laurel Park. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce. It only costs $10 to participate.

Mountain Music Jamboree – 3pm to 5pm (Henderson High School, 311 8th Ave). Listen to bluegrass music and watch some talented cloggers for just $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center, the Opportunity House and right at the door.

The Caribbean Cowboys – 5:30pm to 7pm (Main Stage at the Historic Courthouse). Live music.

Farmer’s Market – 11am to 4pm (7th Ave and Maple St). Stock up on jams, jellies, fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products flowers and much more from local farmers.

Still Cruzin’ – 5:30pm to 7pm (Main Stage at the Historic Courthouse). Live music.

The Legacy – 8pm to 10pm (Main Stage at the Historic Courthouse). Come listen to The Legacy perform some of Motown’s greatest hits.

Monday, September 5, 2011

King Apple Parade – 2:30pm (N Main St and Five Points to Caswell St). Antique aircraft will perform a flyover to kick off the North Carolina Apple Festival’s King Apple Parade.

In addition to all of this amazing fun, there will be an apple recipe contest, an arts and crafts fair, the regular street fair, a window display contest, a car show and open houses held at the WNC Air Museum and Mineral Museum throughout the entire weekend. The toughest decision you’ll have to make is where to go to first! The North Carolina Apple Festival officials request that you leave your pets at home since city ordinance won’t allow them in the area during the festival.

Don’t miss out on all the fun to be had at the 2011 North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville this Labor Day weekend. It really is fun for the entire family.